Stay safe this festive season: AMA (WA)

Stay safe this festive season: AMA (WA)

The Australian Medical Association (WA) today wished all West Australians a safe, happy and healthy festive season.

“Unfortunately we see too many people ending up in hospital over the Christmas period, usually for completely preventable reasons,” AMA (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said.

“We urge everyone to stay vigilant and to be sensible over the holiday.

“If you are travelling long distances over the weekend, get a good sleep in before setting out – drowsiness can have the same effect as being intoxicated.

“Don’t get distracted by your mobile phone or by other people in the vehicle – focus on getting you and your family to your destination safely.

“Try not to over-indulge at Christmas either, think twice before fetching another beer or a second serving of turkey. Drink plenty of water and do some light exercise after Christmas lunch.

“Finally, be careful with the toys you buy for the kids.

“The last thing you want over Christmas is a fractured hip after having a go on your grandchild’s Razor scooter. Leave the kids’ toys to the kids.

“Speaking of toys, thousands powered by small batteries will be given to children in WA over the next few days. Unfortunately, some of these batteries could be swallowed by young children.

“Australian emergency departments see an average of four children admitted with battery-related issues every week, with children under the age of five seeing the most admissions.

“We need to be vigilant over this Christmas period to ensure that our children are safe when doing something as innocent as playing with their toys,” Dr Khorshid said.

“Medical staff are ready to assist West Australians who need emergency and medical care over the Christmas season. However, there is a lot everyone can do to make sure that they and their loved ones can enjoy the festive season away from emergency departments at our hospitals,” Dr Khorshid said.

"It is my hope that we can tackle the challenges our profession faces, united as one. If we dislike our working hours, our pay, gender inequality or low training opportunities, we can change these together. As a nurse in my previous life, I know that when a profession stands as one, people listen."

Dr Rebecca Cogan

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